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Saturday, 30 June 2007

Can’t get to see your kids at the Kanga Cup? Want to discuss the Kanga Cup after the game? Want to see all the day’s news, views, photo’s and video’s?

Well now you can.

3eep and Capital Football have teamed up to enable all Kanga Cup participants to share your Kanga Cup’s football passion exclusively online on 3eep!

For the first time, all Kanga Cup participants including football team coaches, players or a passionate ‘football mums and dads’, will have a single online zone to share photos, videos and stories about this year’s tournament.

3eep is an online sports community which enables sports players, fans and administrators to have an ‘online place’ to continue their passionate conversations about the sports they love.

It will be a fantastic way to keep in touch with family, friends and passionate team fans back at home wherever in the world that may be!

Imagine being able to share those special (and not so special) moments and comments on your thoughts, opinions and emotions while you are participating at the tournament.

And to celebrate this exciting development the World first Kanga Cup Competition is being launched next week

As part of this exciting partnership, 3eep will be launching a world first Best Photos and Videos competition for the Cup this year at the following web address on 3eep:

3eep.com/kangacup

There will be prizes for best photographer, and best videos. So take your camera and visit the Kanga Cup Hub during the tournament.

Story taken from the Sunday Sun Herald: (thanks to Highly Inflammable for pointing it out)

Jessica Warren, 16, has played two seasons with Ballarat Academy of Soccer (sic) under-16 boys' side - but that cuts no ice with the opposition.

Avondale Heights Junior Soccer (sic) Club approached the referee before a game and argued Jessica should be banned because she was a girl. The referee agreed.

After Ballarat complained to Football Federation Victoria, an official apologised to Jessica on behalf of the federation and the referee. But Avondale Heights treasurer John Colangeli said his club had nothing to apologise for.

Ballarat Academy head coach Rick Romein described the ban and subsequent response from Avondale as ignorant.

Jessica, back playing with the Academy boys this weekend, tried out with the state girls' side last year. "The Avondale officials said they were worried if I got injured they would be sued," she said, "I wouldn't be playing against boys if I was scared of being injured." Federation spokesman Mark van Aken said a rule stopping girls under (over?) 14 from playing against boys had long been scrapped. They could play against boys to the age of 21.

Well, it begs the question, to me anyway, why would a group of boys protest about a girl playing?

Canberra’s Socceroo Carl Valeri will play his football in Italy’s Serie B next season with Grosseto.Valeri who is currently in camp with the Socceroos in Singapore, as they prepare for the AFC Asia Cup 2007, is pleased with the outcome.

“At this stage of my career, it’s best for me,” said Valeri.

Valeri’s contract is half owned by Italian giant Inter Milan and Grosseto. Valeri’s match winning goal for Grosseto on the final day of last season ensured the Tuscan club went into Serie B for the first time in their short history. It also meant Grosseto was keen to keep him.

When Valeri’s loan period to Grosseto expired in May, Inter and Grosseto both placed bids into an envelope to secure the players future. If Inter had placed the highest bid it was expected Valeri would be loaned out to another lower league club.

“I want to stay at Grosseto, establish myself in Serie B. Moving to another club you have to start all over again,” said Valeri.

Fortunately for Valeri, Grosseto’s bid was said to be $300,000 higher than Inter’s so Valeri gets to stay for one more year.

“Yes, I’m delighted. The good news is that Grosseto won the other half of me. So that's pretty exciting for me. That’s what I wanted, so that will be good when I get back. I’ll join up with late pre-season training with Grosseto.”

Meanwhile Valeri wasn’t so happy with the heat in Singapore.

“I’m so tired it’s not funny. We have been training pretty hard. It’s just so hot.”

Coach Graham Arnold is putting his players through pre-season training. Arnold is determined to have his players fit for their first ever Asia Cup. The Socceroos have been training twice a day in humid conditions. Players have lost between 2-4kg in training sessions.

Former coach Guus Hiddink introduced a more mobile style of play to the Australian game. It got great results in the World Cup last June in Germany. Maintaining this style in the heat of South East Asia will be a big challenge for the squad.

Valeri doesn’t expect much game time at this tournament, despite playing the full ninety minutes in the last two Socceroo games, against Uruguay and China. He sees World Cup stars Vince Grella and Jason Culina ahead of him in the battle for selection.

“There are some great midfielders ahead of me in this team. I'm working hard but understand my chances of playing may be limited,” said Valeri“It's going to be a good learning experience no matter what.”

“Since we arrived last week we’ve only had one morning off, so it’s been pretty hectic.”

“Luckily I did some training at the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) before I left, otherwise I don’t think I would be able to move right now.Despite the intense training Valeri is excited as the tournament approaches.“Everyone except John Aloisi is in camp. All the senior players are willing to help the younger guys out, which is great,”

The Australians will play Singapore on Saturday in their only international before their opening 2007 Asia Cup game against Oman on July 8 in Bangkok.

Australia is in Group A with Oman, Iraq and co-hosts Thailand. All group games will be played in Bangkok. If Australia wins they stay in Bangkok for their quarter final. The semi-final would be in Hanoi, Vietnam, with the final in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Organisers have acknowledged hosting the games in four countries is a mistake. Fans, journalists and teams may have to move between all four countries if their team makes it to the final.

Australia are expected to have 5,000 fans at the first game, with more to join if, as expected, the team progresses.

I'm always fascinated to see who is looking at the blog over the previous day or so.

Click below at the very bottom of the page at Sitemeter. You should be able to access the hits and stuff since I've started. Go to the World Map and click the last 100 button. Watch the world light up.

The ACT girls under 17’s squad has been named ahead of the National Championships in Coffs Harbour next month with Capital Football opening the door for a few players who missed out in their own state selection.

With a couple of players unavailable for selection, the ACT has acquired the services of three South Australian shadow players to make up the numbers for the coming nationals.

ACT U17’s coach Ian Shaw is looking forward to mixing it with the best.

“It’s a pleasure to be able to put together a squad for the national titles. The under 17’s squad will be very competitive, but because of a lack of available players from the local region we’ve been able to draft in three shadow players from South Australia which will strengthen our team and be great for the player’s development.”

Shaw said.“I’m really looking forward to taking this group away - there are some really good young players and we have a very competitive team.”

Shaw’s involvement in national championships is very impressive having coached the only ACT boys team to a national title many years ago.

The ACT has been drawn against Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland and NSW in group A with the top two teams to progress to the semi finals.

Thursday, 28 June 2007

Will the ACT's Sally Shipard, Caitlin Munoz (pictured here) and Lydia Williams be joined by Amy Chapman at the Fifa World Cup in China in September?

The Matildas will continue preparations for September’s FIFA Women’s World Cup with a five-day training camp in Coffs Harbour which commences tomorrow and conclude on Tuesday.

Coach Tom Sermanni will have an expanded squad of 27 players in camp for what he regards as crucial time together with the World Cup less than three months away.

“The focus now is completely on the World Cup so anytime the squad have together as a group is extremely valuable,” said Matildas coach Tom Sermanni.

“There are still positions in the World Cup squad up for grabs and so there is some intense competition to win a berth.”

A number of young players have been drafted into the squad including former Young Matildas pair Victoria Balomenos and Amy Chapman, plus Australian Under 17 representative Kyah Simon. Other uncapped players in the squad include Elise Kellond-Knight, Ellen Beaumont and Louisa Bisby.

Tuesday, 26 June 2007

Belconnen United play Central Coast Mariners on Saturday night at Belconnen Soccer Centre.

The Belconnen side contains a number of young players that have played in ACT representative sides and the ACT Academy of Sport. Seven of the squad also played for the Blue Devils Under 20s.

Former Blue Devil and United captain Lee Pietrukowski said the side would rise to the occasion.

“Some of our players have played at a high level - I wouldn’t say A-league [standard] but close to and I believe it’s a good opportunity for some of the lads to see what they’re up against and see the level they need to aspire to,” he said.

“I believe we can be competitive.”

Belconnen Coach Steve Forshaw agreed the side wouldn’t be overawed by the Mariners.

“At this stage of the season we’re fully into the swing of things and we’ve got some decent players and a good squad. If we play well and they’re not up for it, surprises have happened before.” he said.

The Central Coast players will train on Friday from 4:30 to 6pm at Mackellar Stadium.

Belconnen United v Central Coast Mariners is on this Saturday, 30 June. Kick off is at 5.30pm

Tony Vidmar, Nick Mrdja, Tom Pondeljak, Sasho Petrovski and Dean Heffernan are just some of the A-League stars on show.

Brett Holman is a key Socceroo. If not now, then for the 2010 World Cup campaign. With Mark Viduka and John Aloisi considering retiring, it will be up to the new generation of strikers to lead Australia to more World Cup glory.

Holman is ahead of the pack.

Holman was speaking from Singapore this afternoon as the Socceroos prepare for their Asia Cup showdown.

With Josh Kennedy a long term injury and Scott McDonald back at Celtic, Holman has a chance to stamp his name as the number one striker once the big guns retire.

"If you look at who is here. Harry (Kewell) , Timmy (Cahill) and Bresch (Mark Bresciano), then if they are all fit, and they are then I'm hoping to be on the bench, and maybe make an impact from there."

Holman has figured heavily in Coach Graham Arnold's plans since the World Cup. He scored his first goal in March against China.

"We're working hard. We're doing a lot of running with the ball. In Holland in pre-season we'd do more running. Here we have to hydrate more. The humidity is very different to Australia."

"Acclimatising will be a major factor in this tournament. It's good to be in Singapore to get used to the weather."

"Players lose a lot of fluids at training, maybe 2kg's a session."

"The mood in camp is good. No-one is complaining of the heat. The boys are raring to go against Singapore."

Australia play Singapore on Saturday in a friendly. The game is live on Fox at 10.30AEST.

Is Holman our number one striking prospect fo 2010 South Africa World Cup?

Former Wallaby and Brumbies star Marco Caputo says, "Football is a great game to teach children their bio mechanical skills."

He should know. He played many sports, including football in his junior career before excelling at Rugby. And didn't he just. He played for the Brumbies before heading to England and France for more club Rugby. The Canberran did well!

Marco and I chatted while his son Joe kicked around us, and his daughter Sophia was playing out a 0-0 draw.

Captuo has two children, Sophia and Joseph. Both play at Majura Soccer club.

“Sure I’d love them to be a Matilda or Socceroo, but really as long as they are out playing with other kids having fun, that’s what important. People ask me if I want them to follow me into Rugby but I don’t mind, as long they are happy.”

“Football is a great way for any kid to start, no matter what sport you end up playing. It’s such a good game to get their bio mechanical skills developed. I think it’s important for kids to learn the discipline of turning up and training, and learning to work together.”

“Most of the big stars in Rugby like Johnny Wilkinson (England), and Joe Roff(former Brumby) were good footballers.”

Johnny Wilkinson: Started life as a footballer, and didn't his football skills pay off for the England Rugby team when he booted them to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Caputo continued, “The Wallaby players always looked to the English Premier League, Serie A and La Liga. We were always trying to learn to get an edge from other top sportsmen.”

“The changes in Australian football over the last few years have been great. Little blokes, like my Joey, can now identify with a career path in football. After watching the Socceroos at the last World Cup they can identify with the Aussies playing in the top leagues in Europe. Tim Cahill at Everton, Mark Viduka now at Newcastle.

Aussie kids now see if they put their head down they could be one of these guys. It’s done such good things for the profile of the game and John O’Neill has had a lot to do with that. “

“Last night I was looking on YouTube at Ronaldinho and all his skills. The kids want to do the tricks and play at these huge stadiums. It’s great.”

And it was great to hear a champion of another code talking up football.

If sports are to succeed in Canberra we need more fans supporting more teams.

Interestingly the Matildas are confident of progressing from their World Cup group in China in September despite the fact that two teams in their group are ranked above them

They will have to beat Norway, and Canada who are both ranked higher. Ghana, the third team in the group, are around the 50 mark, but with the improving standard of African football, it is not really known how good they will be.

DPR Korea who beat Australia recently in Olympic qualifiers are ranked 5th, although Coach Tom Sermanni thinks they are probably the best in the world.

Rankings, smankings. True football followers know they are worth tosh.

More interestingly, to me, anyway, is the Matildas match preparation for the World Cup.

They have two games against very poor teams in August. They must play Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong to complete their Olympic qualification program, but this leaves Sermanni very little time to get competitive games organised.

Not ideal preparation for a World Cup, and with FFA budgets tight at best, the chances for more International games are low.

Saturday, 23 June 2007

Football in the Capital caught up with Marco Caputo at Dickson Oval as he was watching his children play football. Well, he was until I interrupted him! And then we started talking football and before you know it, it was half-time in his daughters game and we missed the whole thing.

Marco tells of the day he met the one of the World's top footballers, ZinedineZidane. During the week we'll hear Marco's thoughts on his love of Italian football, the game in Australia, and his desire to see a Canberra A-League side

Marco takes up the story:

“I was playing golf one day with Olivier Magne, French International Rugby Star in France. We were at a golf club owned by Evian water. For six months of the year you couldn’t play as the course was under snow. There was a helicopter buzzing around. In fact it had been so close we could hardly concentrate on the golf. Anyway we head into have lunch when the helicopter lands."

"A massive Polynesian guy gets out all wired up and there is a whole entourage in tow. TV cameras the lot. "

“I’m thinking this guy must be important if he’s got security and the rest.”

"Anyway this guy gets out of the helicopter and comes in to the restaurant and walks towards us. "

"Olivier gets up and says, “I’ve got a mate here, do you mind if he joins us as he doesn’t know anyone here?”

“It was ZinedineZidane. He’s a big Rugby fan and wanted to talk Rugby, but I just wanted to talk football.”

"He’d just moved from Juventus to Real Madrid and he talks Italian obviously so I was able to chat with him."

“We discussed who the best French player was ever. He thought Platini, I thought Cantona. I loved his strut, the way he commanded the stage.”

“It was great. Here I am having this discussion about sport with Zidane. I couldn’t believe it. And then his mobile rings. "

“Look guys he says I’m sorry but I have to go. Zidane says it’s Scolari, his coach at Real Madrid. I’m wanted back at training in one hour; we have a big champion’s league game coming up.”

“Zidane had been shooting an advert for Evian and had played for France the night before. He gets on the phone, rings the helicopter pilot. In a few minutes the helicopter comes again, picks Zidane up and he’s gone!”

“ It was amazing. He was like a rock star just flying in, but he was also very down to earth. It was great to meet him.”

“It’s hard to explain how these top player live, if you haven’t seen it.”

The Qantas Socceroos have commenced preparations for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup with the majority of the squad arriving in Singapore and Head Coach Graham Arnold has boosted the depth of the team by adding Bruce Djite, Nathan Burns and Mark Bridge for training purposes.

The trio, all members of the Qantas under 23s squad that are currently in the process of seeking qualification for the 2008 Olympic Games, will return home after the team moves from Singapore to Bangkok ahead of the start of the AFC Asian Cup.

"The opportunity for these young players to mix and train with our best players is a unique experience that will continue to assist with their development," said Mr Arnold.

"It is important for Australian football that we continue to expose our young players to the environment of the national team and the knowledge they will pick up will be a huge benefit to them."

"With the Olympic qualifying program moving into the final stage soon the experience these players and Mark Milligan will get will help them enormously when they face the huge challenge awaiting them to get to Beijing."

Great move Arnie, I reckon this really aids the development of our next generation. Interesting three attackers were chosen as well.

Football in the Capital Tuscan based reporter Tommaso Ronchi says, "CARL VALERI IS NOW 100% A FOOTBALL PLAYER OF GROSSETO....!!!!!GO CARL AND WIN ASIAN CUP."

"Oh and I saw how Carl was dressed in Canberra. (Eamonn: Guess Tommy means the photo above.)It's better for him to come back to Italy. The Seas of Marina di Frosseto is waiting for him, But the best thing fo him is to play a great Asian Cup. Go Grosseto.

Football in the Capital reporter Tonini from Tuscany filed this report overnight.

"YESTERDAY THERE WERE THE SECRET OFFERS FOR CARL VALERI. GROSSETO AND INTER PUT A SECRET OFFER IN A BAG AND ON FRIDAY THEY'LL OPEN IT AND THE BEST OFFER WINS. IT SEEMS THAT GROSSETO WON BY 300,000 EURO FOR THE HALF OF CARL VALERI THAT MISSED.

Thursday, 21 June 2007

This blog got reviewed in MX. A paper which come out in Sydney Melbourne and Brisbane. See the full David McMahon review here. Nearpost blog review

2XX Community Radio in Canberra are thinking about a weekly football show in Canberra. Like to get involved. Production, presenter, announcer, interviewer. Email Football in the Capital for further details.

And of course news from Sydney FC

Sydney FC had a tough season last year. No trophies, and by the end no manager. But before he left Coach Terry Butcher was trying to improve morale once more.

On the Coach back from defeat in the A-League semi-final to Newcastle, Butcher organised a raffle. Socceroo star David Carney distributed all the tickets to the players and staff.

The mood was sour, but at least a Sydney player would win something this year.

Anyway, the draw was made, and you guessed it,

the Coach driver won.

Summed up the season really.

An oldie but a goodie:)

Mark Viduka to Newcastle. I'm still not happy. He only played for one huge club in his glittering career. Glasgow Celtic, oh alright I'm a Celtic fan.

I wanted to see him at Manchester United with Ronaldo and Rooney running off the Duke. Oh well at least his season will be shorter, Newcastle never get very far in Europe, if they get in at all.

Reading Sally Shipard's post yesterday about how to improve your skill. Practice practice and more practice. There is no short cut is there.

Football in the Capital will be interviewing Kaz Patafka next week, should be an interesting story.

We'll also be finding how out Carl Valeri is finding the training in Singapore.

Archie Thompson reckons Wellington Phoenix could make the four next season. With Ross Aloisi, Vince Lia and Michael Ferrante signed up they'll be the best New Zealand side yet. Great for the A-League.

Bottom club, I'm afraid it's looking like Newcastle with the depature of Paul Okon, one of Australia's finest players. Still plenty of time to recruit but with Nicky Carle and others gone, poor old Mark Bridge must be hugely disappointed.

Have a great weekend, thanks for the comments and views from all over the world. It's amazing where you are looking in from.

This week Sally tells just what it takes to become a skillful Matilda.

Hi I’m Sally Shipard,

Ok this week guys I will share some of my background as a young footballer.

I was born in Tumut, a small country town about an hour from Wagga, in New South Wales. My family moved to Wagga when I was 3 yrs old. We based ourselves in central Wagga, which was great because our primary school was just down the road, and the shops just around the corner.

And I know you are probably thinking that everything is 'around the corner' in Wagga but its not actually the case.

Ok, well back on track. When I was 5 years old I was introduced to many sports, most kids at the age of 5, or thereabouts are playing sport in country towns.

My main reason was my two older brothers were involved with sports. My favourite sport has always been football, I first began playing for a club team called PCYC. I was never a fan of netball (like most girls my age). I played basketball, cricket, softball and even AFL. I broke my arm in U/10's though so my AFL career was very short-lived:-)

I played football with a boys team right up until I moved to Sydney when I was 15.

There’s nothing more satisfying at beating a boy at something.

I think I was born with this competitive nature, it certainly helped because after all I have grown up with 3 brothers.I played for the Wagga rep boys team from U/12's and represented the U/14 NSW Country team from the age of 12 also. When I was 13 I was faced with the decision to choose between cricket and football. I was playing both games at a representative level. I’m so glad I chose football.

I began home training when I was about 10 yrs old. I can remember being able to juggle maybe 10-15 times before the ball hit the ground. I juggled everyday for at least 20 minutes and in no time I was juggling 100's and then thousands.

I would recommend for the younger players to be juggling as much as they can. It’s so beneficial when it comes to your touch on the ball and you gain a better feel for the ball.

Aussie Prime Minister will be able to watch the Socceroos on Fox at the Asia Cup

If the Aussies get to the last four of the Asia Cup, and they probably will, do you want to see pictures of John Howard in his new Socceroo tracksuit jumping up and down in front of his FoxSports channel.

All the kids and parents who would be watching in PRIMETIME if the game was on Free-to-air will not want to see it either. This is wrong and the FFA need to get Fox to the table and renegotiate a one-off deal.

How does it help Fox if 70% of Aussies can't watch what would be the biggest sporting viewer figures of the year.

Wednesday, 20 June 2007

Football in the Capital will catch up with Melbourne Victory's new signing KazPatafta when he arrives back in Australia next week.

Currently with Benfica in Portugal, Patafta has joined Melbourne on a one-year loan deal.

Kaz will join Victory on their pre-season tour of China.

In other Victory news. Victory beat South Melbourne 5-1 overnight with over 7,500 in attendance.

Speaking with club sources yesterday, Victory hope to crack the 20,000 membership mark this year. They are expecting attendances to rise significantly given all home games this year are at the Telstra Dome.

Last year, their poorest attendance at the Dome was 23,000 in Melbourne Race week on a Thursday night.

Expect them to average over 30,000 comfortably this season, on the back of last year's success and, in view of their outstanding recruitment campaign.

Tuesday, 19 June 2007

Melbourne Victory announced today that Kaz Patafta is heading back to Australia. He will join fellow Canberran Matthew Kemp at Melbourne Victory. Patafta signed a one year loan deal. Patafta, currently with Benfica, will add further quality to the A-League Champions.

“Kaz is a terrific talent with enormous potential,” Victory coach Ernie Merrick said. “The quality of our league and the calibre of facilities here in Melbourne makes us a really viable alternative for big European clubs looking to loan players like Kaz.

“We hope to provide Kaz with every possible opportunity to continue to improve as a footballer and we look forward to seeing him develop as a key player for Melbourne Victory and for the Australian national team.”

Haven't Victory recruited well?

Hernandex from Costa Rica, Miliecivic from Young Boys, Switzerland and now Patafka,

It will be great to watch a future Socceroo make his mark at home in the A-League.

Victory may have missed out on Canberra's Carl Valeri earlier this year, but have recognised the quality of player produced in this town.

God luck Kaz, as you embark on A-League and Asian Champions League duties for Victory.

Capital Football is in need of volunteers for this year’s McDonald’s Kanga Cup in the second week of July. Last year, 26 volunteers took part in making the tournament possible.

This year only 16 volunteers have registered therefore we need at least another ten helpers in the following areas:· Ground Management· Opening Ceremony/Social Functions· Retail

It’s a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to participate in the largest junior football tournament in the southern hemisphere and one of Canberra’s largest events. Apart from benefits such as the provision of a uniform, lunch and the opportunity to meet lots of new people - the Kanga Cup is a lot of fun and you become an ambassador for Canberra itself.

Harry Kewell is in town today! As part of his relationship with the Federal Government's health programme, the Socceroo star has visited St Edmunds College and was interviewed by the Queanbeyan Times and I'm sure a few other media outlets besides.

Harry Kewell will join up with The Socceroos on Thursday as the Aussies aim to win the Asia Cup.

The ACT girls under 15’s squad has been named ahead of the National Championships in Coffs Harbour next month.The ACT will come up against Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and Northern NSW in Group A with the top two to proceed to the semi finals with the rest of the group playing off for final standings.

In the 2006 Championships the ACT finished 3rd in their group, then went on to end up 5th overall.

It's 30 degrees at night in Singapore, and you'll be there and running on Thursday

Football in the Capital caught up with Socceroo Carl Valeri in cold cold Canberra as Carl enjoyed his two-week annual break.

So your Socceroo mate Brett Holman is in Cairns, what do you do when you are away from football Carl?

"I like to get home for a bit. My Mum gets me to see my family dentist, so I have to do that! But really I just love catching up with my old friends here in Canberra. "

"I feel so relaxed back here in Canberra, it's home."

What about football?

"Oh football, well I try and get completely away, Just think about other things I know when we go back into camp next week, they will hurt us. It'll will be like pre-season, and I'm not looking forward to that."

"The playing, the games is easy, no problem, its just the pre-season training is tough."

When doe the season start in Italy?

"In mid-August so there will be no break after the Asian Cup. In Italy they take us up to the mountains for a month of pre-season usually. We train, run for two hours in the morning every day, and do ball work every afternoon. It's tough, very hard on the body."

So have you being doing any exercise in your break?

"We'll to be honest, I wasn't, but I have now because the FFA called me and told me to get my butt moving. So press-ups and half an hour skipping to get the legs going and some running. I have to work the isometrics. Basically they want us moving because when we get into camp its' going to be tough from the first day."

"Did you hear your Socceroo room-mate Nicky Carle is off to Turkey."

"Yeah, that's great for him. He's a great guy. I hope it goes well for him."

Thanks Carl. I'll have photos and a short interview with Carl on Thursday from Canberra Airport as he flies out to join the Socceroos in Singapore...for that pre-season workout!Enjoy it Carl.

During a girls junior game yesterday things weren't going to well. The yellow team were a player down and of course in the spirit of fair play the other team plays a player more. It's an under 8 competition so any advantage is important. Right!

So when the blue team, who had a wonderful goalie who could kicked the ball the length of the field, released their forward who was all on her own, she was sure to score.

The crowd groaned or cheered as the star forward ran alone towards the goal. Thump, the goalie dived and smothered the shot saving a certain goal. Eruptions on the sidelines

Half-Time 0-0

Blue Coach had it sorted. Place one striker near the goal and boot the ball down the field to her. The yellow team a player down were never going to be able to cover her.

And then the super big kicking goalie came out, not only could she kick, but she could run and dribble. She released her mate, who promptly scored.

but the Ref blew.

"No goal."

"Why"

"Loitering is not allowed."

At this point her brother threw his teddy on to the field of play. And there it lay Teddy Bear.

Who said it's only a game?

Ever heard of a goal being disallowed for loitering.

For the record, Blue team won 2-0, and the big kicking goalie is a star of the future for sure.

Friday, 15 June 2007

Still Singapore and Thailand should be a little warmer. Carl has had a two week break before joining up with the squad for some serious pre-season training as the Socceroos prepare to win the Asia Cup.

Socceroo players will miss pre-season training with their clubs to play for Australia.

Speaking by teleconference today, Arnold said, "Asian league's all have a mid-season break. Apart from a couple of Japanese or Korean players in Europe the rest are all in Asian leagues. We have a lot of players in Europe and they all miss their clubs pre-season. They are very committed to playing to Australia, and this shows their commitment."

Fair point Arnie.

Take Mark Viduka, about to play for Newcastle. He will miss most of their pre-season.

If you were paying an employee a rumoured $400,000 a week, you'd want him there for the pre-season period.

Or Harry Kewell. He missed all of last season after playing at the World Cup.

Not easy for the players, but the turn-out for the Asia Cup is very impressive.